Santo Domingo – Los Leones de Santo Domingo are preparing for a historic milestone. The team will play an official game at the prestigious Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, as part of the Caribeño Champ Classic.
This international sporting event, scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2026, promises an unforgettable experience. The tournament will combine top-level basketball with Latin music and entertainment for the enjoyment of all attendees.
The official announcement was made on February 13th at the Embassy Suites by Hilton hotel, located in Carolina, Puerto Rico.
A Meeting of Giants
In the framework of the Caribbean Champ Classic, the Leones de Santo Domingo will face three outstanding franchises of the Superior National Basketball (BSN) of Puerto Rico: the Leones de Ponce, the Criollos de Caguas and the Osos de Manatí.
This encounter will mark a before and after, as the Lions will become the first team from the Dominican Republic’s National Basketball League (LNB) to play on an official NBA court, the home of the Brooklyn Nets.
Sport and Entertainment: A Perfect Fusion
The Caribbean Champ Classic transcends sports competition. The organization has prepared a live concert that will complement the experience at the Barclays Center.
The artistic lineup includes Alex Sensation, DJ Adoni, and DJ Luian, solidifying the fusion between sports and Latin urban culture.
In addition, a celebrity match will be held, whose participants will be announced soon, expanding the event’s appeal to the Latino community in New York.
International Projection for Dominican Basketball
The Lions’ participation in this event represents a transcendental step for the positioning of the franchise and the LNB in the international market.
The presence in one of the world’s most prestigious venues will project Dominican talent to a global audience and strengthen the sporting ties between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
The event calendar states that the day will begin with the match between Osos de Manatí and Criollos de Caguas. In the second turn, the Leones de Santo Domingo will face the Leones de Ponce in a duel between two of the most successful franchises in their respective leagues.
Tickets are now available through Ticketmaster and at the Barclays Center box office.
